ALAMOSA, COLORADO – A 24-hour search effort led by Alamosa Volunteer Search and Rescue (AVSAR) ended in success on August 13, 2024, when a missing hiker was found alive near the Zapata Falls Recreation Area. The young woman, an out-of-state visitor with type 1 diabetes, had become disoriented and lost after a face-to-face encounter with a black bear, prompting a massive multi-agency rescue operation.
The incident began on August 12 when AVSAR was alerted that the hiker had failed to return after separating from her partner to explore above Zapata Falls. Although she was physically fit, she was not equipped to handle an unplanned night in the wilderness. Compounding the danger, her phone and insulin pump were dead, cutting off all means of communication and blood sugar management.
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Day 1 of the Search: Rapid Response and Extensive Efforts
The search began immediately, with AVSAR teams scouring the rugged terrain within a mile of Zapata Falls. The Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office searched nearby campsites and ranches, while Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) deployed a drone to scan the area. Despite a comprehensive 10-hour effort, which included monitoring a bear displaying unusual behavior near the hiker’s last known location, no trace of the missing woman was found before nightfall.
The search continued through the night, with efforts focused on cell phone forensics, though the likelihood of a successful rescue appeared increasingly slim given the circumstances.
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- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Day 2: Breakthrough and Rescue
At 5:30 a.m. on August 13, the search resumed with renewed determination. AVSAR received critical support from two Fremont County search dog teams, Chaffee County Search and Rescue, and South Fork Fire and Swift Water Rescue. The latter teams rappelled into treacherous waterfall canyons, checking beneath rocks and in pools of water for any sign of the missing hiker.
A breakthrough came at 11:00 a.m. when a red hoodie—the hiker’s—was spotted from the air by Guardian1, a search helicopter operated by REACH Air Medical Services. The distinctive color was a critical factor in locating the woman, who had moved beyond the initial search radius. Eddy, one of the Fremont County search dogs, made the first contact.
The hiker recounted a harrowing experience: after separating from her partner, she had encountered a large black bear at close range, which charged at her. In a panic, she fled higher into the mountains, losing her way. When found, she was dehydrated and sunburned but otherwise unharmed, thanks in large part to the 50 glucose pills she had brought, of which only two remained at the time of her rescue.
The hiker was able to walk back to the trailhead with assistance and was evaluated by flight paramedics before being released.
Free: Complete Colorado 14ers Planner
Every peak. Every trailhead. Every detail: in one spreadsheet.
- All 58 peaks ranked beginner to expert
- Safety notes and seasonal windows for each
- Route difficulty, mileage, and prep tips
Safety Tips and Lessons Learned
This incident underscores several important safety lessons for anyone venturing into the backcountry:
- Wear Bright Colors: The hiker’s red hoodie played a crucial role in her rescue. Bright colors make you more visible to searchers.
- Stay Put if Lost: Moving further into unfamiliar terrain increases the difficulty of a rescue. Stay where you are to improve your chances of being found.
- Carry the 10 Essentials: Always pack essential items, including extra medication. The hiker’s glucose pills were vital to her survival.
- Be Bear Aware: Understand local wildlife behavior. In bear country, carry bear spray and avoid panicking during encounters.
The successful outcome of this mission was made possible by the dedication and expertise of numerous agencies, including AVSAR, CPW, the Alamosa County Sheriff’s Office, and multiple SAR teams from across Colorado. AVSAR, a volunteer organization that receives no government funding, expressed deep gratitude to all who contributed to the search and reminded the public of the importance of supporting SAR teams through donations or the purchase of a CORSAR card.
To support AVSAR, visit their donation page or purchase a CORSAR card here.
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